My giving goal has multiple steps. First, for the first 10 years after graduation, I pledge to put 3% of my yearly income into a bullish mutual fund. Second, at the end of the 10 years, I will take out the money. I plan to give half the money to an international NGO and half to a local nonprofit, depending on where I am living at the time. I plan to donate the money to an international NGO specializing in solving a big issue of the day. For example, the refugee crisis is currently one of the biggest issues of today. I plan to give to a local non-profit specializing in aid to mentally ill homeless peoples. Third, if I am making less than $80,000 at age 32, I will continue to put 3% into a mutual fund. If I am making more than $80,000 I will reassess my giving percentage based on that income.

I will work to uphold the values of philanthropy in my own life by not only seeking to help people in whatever way I can (through labor, donations, monetary giving, or volunteerism), but also in encouraging and commending the philanthropic efforts of others. Though I do not believe giving has to be a monetary commitment, I do believe that it has to be a lifelong effort that expands with ones means. As my income, energy, and time increase, I will seek to increase my giving proportionally. In all walks of life, an attitude of philanthropy can keep one grounded and grateful for the things that they have been given and inspired to give others the same opportunities that they have received. Throughout my life and career, I hope to not only build my own philanthropic spirit, but also to foster the philanthropic spirits of others through the promotion of humanitarianism and social consciousness.

I pledge to volunteer my time to serve local, underserved communities such as the homeless, elderly, and low-income and staying involved in philanthropic efforts throughout my life. Once I am financially stable, I plan to give away 5% of my annual income to nonprofit organizations that align with my values.

I pledge to spend my time on this earth making it a better place. I pledge to pick my employer/cases as a future lawyer by the cause and not the dollar sign. I pledge to keep the intersection of marginalized identities in mind with any case I take, or law I create/modify. I pledge to keep the needs of others in mind, and not just my own, in all aspects of my life.

I pledge to perpetually recognize my position of bountifulness and abundance in life. I pledge to always put every situation I am in, into perspective. I pledge to be aware of things that I need, and things that I don’t need, and to minimize excess and waste. I pledge to be perpetually aware of how every single of one my actions affects the world. I pledge to act with mindfulness when making purchases. I plan to share a portion of my earnings with a nonprofit that I am fully knowledgeable about, and one that I am passionate about its mission.

I pledge to lead a conscientious life guided by generosity and graciousness. This means being thoughtful in my decisions and actions and periodically asking myself “What more can I do to support my community?” Whether internationally or locally, I pledge to pursue a career path that will allow me to I can use my time, knowledge, and resources to help others and inspire loving action. I will support sustainable and equitable non-profit organizations through giving monetary donations annually and volunteering my time regularly.